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Children to ‘go blue’ for conservation day noon

CHILDREN in Dorset are urged to ‘go blue’ for a day to raise money for the Marine Conservation Society.

The Ecover School’s Blue Mile event on June 6 aims to encourage schools to organise a project to teach children about marine wildlife.

From painting and making sea creatures, to swimming and trying out a watersport, the activities educate young people about the importance of the oceans and where possible, get them out into a natural environment.

Emily Raven of the Ecover Schools Blue Mile said: “The event is free, fun, and cross-curricular. We have a whole load of resources. It would be great if children can get out and spend some time on the seashore or take part in a school swimming day at their local pool, and we have some fun ideas for classroom-based activities, too.”

The Ecover Schools Blue Mile has teamed up with Canoe England, who have a number of kayaks available for loan by schools that would like to add a ‘go blue’ element to indoor school sports.

BBC Springwatch presenter Maya Plass has been announced as an ambassador for the event.

She said: “There’s not a single minute that goes by when we are not all connected to the sea in one way or another and the Ecover Schools Blue Mile is a great way of celebrating this connection.”

This year’s Ecover Schools Blue Mile also has a strong anti-pollution message, where schools are encouraged to run a school-wide ban on plastic bags and bottles, provide plastic recycling points and decorate bags for life.

They can also help the Marine Conservation Society by holding a beach clean.

Schools are asked to register as soon as possible and if they cannot go blue on this day, they can still do so on a day that suits them.